2 Kings: Summary & Overview
Overview
Second Kings continues the tragic history of the divided kingdom. Prophet after prophet warns Israel and Judah to repent, but most kings lead their people further into idolatry. The northern kingdom falls to Assyria in 722 BC, and Judah falls to Babylon in 586 BC. Yet even in judgment, sparks of revival under kings like Hezekiah and Josiah show that God still responds to sincere repentance.
Key Themes
- •Consequences of persistent sin
- •God's judgment and mercy
- •The power of prophetic ministry
- •Revival is always possible
- •Exile as discipline
Famous Verses
“I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee.”
— 2 Kings 20:5
“Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.”
— 2 Kings 6:16
“Yet the Lord testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways.”
— 2 Kings 17:13
“Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord.”
— 2 Kings 22:19
“Behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.”
— 2 Kings 2:11
Key Facts
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Genre
- Historical Narrative
- Author
- Unknown (possibly Jeremiah)
- Date Written
- ~550 BC
- Chapters
- 25
Related Books
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